BASF has signed a definitive agreement with Engelhard Corporation, moving one step closer to the acquisition of the company. According to the agreement, Engelhard will recommend that Engelhard shareholders tender their shares to BASF in exchange for $39 per share in cash and will withdraw its $45 per share self-tender offer for approximately 20% of the company’s shares.

“We are very pleased that BASF and Engelhard were able to reach agreement on a negotiated transaction. This is a crucial step towards our goal of acquiring Engelhard,” said Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, chairman of the board of executive directors of BASF. “We are confident that Engelhard’s shareholders will tender their shares into our offer, following the recommendation of Engelhard.”

BASF’s $39 per share all-cash offer for all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Engelhard Corporation is scheduled to expire at midnight, New York City time, on Monday, June 5.